Firhad Hakim calls meeting to assess 'health' of other flyovers

Kolkata: Taking a precautionary measure after the Majerhat Bridge incident, Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) will be carrying out a study to check the present "health" of the flyovers under its jurisdiction.

Firhad Hakim, the state Urban Development and Municipal Affairs minister, held a high level meeting at Writers' Building on Wednesday. Sources said that during the meeting, the minister has directed the concerned officials to take necessary steps to check the health of flyovers under its jurisdiction.

It may be mentioned that Majerhat Bridge is around 54-years-old. The incident has claimed two lives and left 24 injured, according to information available till now.

In such a situation, KMDA is taking necessary steps to check the health of the flyovers, so that repairing work can be undertaken if and when required.

There are many flyovers under the jurisdiction of KMDA, including Chingrighata Flyover, Ultadanga Flyover, Dhakuria Bridge, Maa Flyover, AJC Bose Road Flyover and Lake Gardens Flyover.

It may be recalled that a portion of one wing of Ultadanga Flyover had collapsed in 2013. The incident took place just two years after the flyover was inaugurated in 2011. The flyover, which connects VIP Road with EM Bypass, was once again opened in 2014, after the necessary repair work.

Similarly, Chingrighata Flyover is also an old one and the study will help in knowing its present health. It was June 2016 when engineers from RITES had visited the Chingrighata Flyover for inspection, as some cracks were then identified on certain parts of the bridge. Later, the KMDA officials had confirmed that the cracks were just on the upper surface of the plaster.

It may be mentioned that there are some bridges in the city including Brace Bridge and Tolly Nallah Setu, where some cracks have also been spotted. The Tolly Nallah Setu was constructed in 1936. Cracks were also found on railings of the bridge.